Is Chicago or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, San Diego is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 38/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 48% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where San Diego has a 86% lower rate.
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 2,082.4 | +1,929.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 412.4 | +127.5 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 2.5 | +15.0 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 21.4 | +37.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 77.4 | +257.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 310.9 | -182.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,670.0 | +1,802.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 187.4 | +107.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,087.1 | +1,231.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 395.5 | +463.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or San Diego safer?
San Diego is safer with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 48% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. San Diego has lower violent crime.
About Chicago, IL
Chicago, Illinois, a major Midwest hub and birthplace of the skyscraper, sits on Lake Michigan's shores. Its diverse population of over 2.7 million people contributes to its vibrant arts and culture scene. With a safety score of 8/100 and a population coverage of 2,638,698, Chicago has a total crime rate of 4,012.2 per 100,000 residents.
About San Diego, CA
San Diego, California, a major port city with a significant Hispanic population, sits on the Pacific Ocean just north of the Mexican border. Known for its mild climate and Balboa Park, it's also home to a large naval presence. With a safety score of 38/100 and a population coverage of 1,389,024, San Diego has a total crime rate of 2,082.4 per 100,000 residents.